Abstract
M.A. (Counselling Psychology)
The Psychological Association of South Africa (PASA) is, at
present, in a transition phase in that the profession is
striving to unite under one single controlling body. As a
consequence, the Association is seeking to establish a set of
inclusive, scientific, academic and ethical standards that will
be recognised by all psychologists. with this purpose in mind,
the Association is currently revising its ethical code. Since
the Association commits itself to both the prevention and
treatment of AIDS, part of its agenda is to include the handling
of the disease in this code.
The purpose of this study is to make a contribution to the
revision of the ethical code by exploring the ethics surrounding
the handling of the AIDS-dilemma by psychologists, and to make
recommendations in this regard. AIDS should therefore be
handled responsibly in the ethical code in such a way that it is
acceptable to all practicing psychologists in South Africa.
The nature of the study is a qualitative exploratory analytical
study that relies on rational cognitive processes. Literature
concerning ethics in psychology was explored together with the
way in which it is translated in the ethical code. Ethical
dilemmas that result from the handling of the AIDS-phenomenon
are identified and grouped together by describing both real and
hypothetical ethical problems. A critical rational analysis of
the ethical code then follows. Finally, logically argued
proposals are made in order that identified shortcomings be
eliminated.